FORM AND SIZE. 89 



tions iii structure and form which are presented 

 to our notice in various instances. That the form, 

 structure, and size of the nest are admirably 

 adapted to the requirements of the young birds, 

 no one can doubt, who bears in mind the truth 

 that all their actions are regulated by an instinct 

 whose source and author is the all-wise Creator. 

 We are enabled, having watched our architects 

 selecting their situation, collecting their materials, 

 and constructing their beautiful fabric, now to 

 present some highly singular particulars respecting 

 the varied forms assumed by their structures, 

 some of which surpass in ingenuity all the works 

 of man. 



The expression, " a bird's nest/' conveys a general 

 idea to the mind of the form which this structure 

 commonly assumes, and which has become familiar 

 to us. We imagine it a round, hollow, cup-shaped 

 little fabric, smooth within, and commonly rough 

 on the outside. And such, doubtless, is the form 

 of by far the majority of the nests of birds. But 

 other forms are not unfrequently met with, and of 

 sufficient variety to admit of being classified to a 

 certain extent. Thus there are varieties of the 

 cup-shaped nest, shallowing down to the saucer 



